The closed fishing season in the Visayan Sea effectively prohibits the catching of sardines, herrings and mackerels or their larvae, fry or young. Enforced by the Fisheries Administrative Order No. 167-3, it is annually implemented from November 15 to February 15 the following year for the protection and conservation of sardines and herrings (Clupeidae) and mackerels (Scombridae) in the Visayan Sea.

The prohibition covers the Visayan Sea and adjoining waters enclosed by line drawn through the following points and coastlines: from the mouth of Danao River in Escalante, Negros Occidental on the northeastern tip of the Bantayan Island to Madridejos, thru the lighthouse on Gigantes Island, to Olutaya Island, to Culasi Point in Capiz province, eastward along the northern coast of Capiz to Bulacaue Point in Carles, Iloilo, southward along the eastern coast of Iloilo to the mouth of Talisay River, westward across the Guimaras Strait to Tomonton Point in Occidental Negros, eastward along the northern Coast of the Island of Negros and back to the mouth of Danao River in Escalante, Negros Occidental.